In 1996, encouraged by the success of the aforementioned tour, the sextet released their first Long-Play-CD "Borrowed Time" consisting of 11 self-penned compositions. The fresh sound of this album kicked up a storm of critique ranging from positive to euphoric in recognised Rock Magazines and the regional press. In the CD-Check column of Breakout Magazine, the album was cited as "Newcomer of the Month".
In the fall of 1996, the band embarked on their first nation-wide tour, which, prior to it's conclusion in 1997, included the much-coveted opportunity to perform as support act for "The Sweet", "AXXIS" and "SAXON".
During the "SAXON" support gig, the band recorded a live video which included special performances by guests and friends - amongst others Steve Mann (ex MSG) who felt it appropriate to participate with the band on stage for their video production. In November 1997 the video was released and to this day documents the Cult Status of the band's professionalism and musical passion.
On March 14th 1998, after a change in line-up, the band succeeded in establishing a world record - acknowledged by the Guinness Book of Records - by playing 7 separate shows in 3 Federal States within 9 hours. This achievement proved beyond a shadow of doubt that the co-ordination and logistical capabilities of the band and it's crew were second to none. All proceeds were donated to charity in favour of Child Cancer.
Shortly thereafter a 3-track CD titled "Back to Bosnia" with "United Artists For Bosnia" was released. All proceeds were donated to the "Bosnia Refugee Fund" - managed by S.I.T. - a humanitarian orientated organisation located in Germany's Main-Taunus-Kreis. Upon hearing about the band's intentions, many recognised German musicians (such as Bernhard Weiss - AXXIS, Claus Lessmann - Bonfire and Bobby Altvater - Affair) immediately declared their willingness to participate in this wholly charitable project.
In 1999 the band once again embarked on a nation-wide tour and cemented their status as a noteworthy live act. At that Status Quo approximately 250 concerts had been played. The band also served as supporting act for "Bonfire", Pink Cream 69", "Uriah Heep", "Nazareth", "Megaherz" and once again "The Sweet".
Indeed, Circle of Pain (C.O.P.) have grown and seem to have found the perfect formula to combine hard rock, catchy melodic refrains, punchy guitar riffs and a solid grooving rhythm section into a dynamical sparkling cocktail tasteful to any serious listener.
This magic was brought to the fore during 2000, with the writing and production of a concept album titled "Paradox of Destitution" which was released in May 2001.
After album completion, "Circle of Pain" were featured by "Rock Hard Magazine" on their "Best Bands without Contract, Volume 8" compilation CD.
In January 2001, "Circle of Pain" commenced working together with a choir and orchestra on material from "Paradox of Destitution" which they recently presented at a Gala Concert held in Wiesbaden's Rhein-Main Theatre. A 48-track live sound and video recording was made of this enormously successful event, released on VHS-Video in Autumn 2001. Visibly impressed by Circle of Pain's show were the fans of superstar rock band "The Scorpions" - who also performed at the Gala Concert - evident in newspaper headlines such as "Circle Of Pain steal the show away from the Scorpions."
During 2001 and 2003 the Paradox of Destitution tour was performed in more than 100 shows in Europe including some events called Paradox Classixx, again featuring the Orchestra.
Actually the band is working on their upcoming album, working title: Our Darkest Hour, which will be much harder, than the Albums before...
"Circle of Pain" were originally formed in early 1994 in Heppenheim / Germany under the less desirable name Tipsy Slut. Prior to the more appropriate January 2001 name change, the band managed to accumulate a host of noteworthy achievements countrywide.
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